3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
20 minutes by bus from San Cristóbal de las Casas
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
One day
San Juan de Chamula (Mexico)
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David Debrincat
Practical information about San Juan de Chamula
Reviews of San Juan de Chamula
Chiapas, a small village that is about 10 kilometres from San Cristobal de las Casas is well known for retaining its Tzotzil Indian traditions.
My suggestion:
The local handicrafts are really pretty. On the other hand, the local people are really poor and sometimes willing to sell whatever the price, even if it costs them money...which you should remember when you are bargaining.
Summary:
San Juan de Chamula is very special, you either love it or you hate it. I tended more to the second option, because its hyper touristy side hides the authenticity that everyone tries to sell us when they talk about this town. The really annoying thing is that the town's atmosphere reminds you of places that specialise in mass tourism, even though the place itself isn't that touristy.
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Marché face à l'église
At 10km from San Cristóbal de las Casas, in the heart of Chiapas, the little village of San Juan de Chamula is a remarkable place where you'll witness scenes not on the typical tourist trail.
My suggestion:
Note that photography is strictly forbidden in the church. Please respect this rule - otherwise you could find yourself in real trouble.
Summary:
San Juan de Chamula is not a well known stop on the Mexican tourist trail. I went there as I was leaving from San Cristóbal de las Casas, a good departure point if you want to visit the Zapatist village of Oventic. However, due to troubled times, make sure the political situation is calm before you head off. In brief San Juan de Chamula is a village shrouded in fascinating religious rituals.
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David Debrincat
162 travellers' photos
